KOZHIKODE: Two police officials were arrested in connection with the custodial death of a youth in Vadakara police station. Sub inspector Nijeesh and civil police officer Prajeesh were arrested in connection with the death of Sajeevan, a native of Kalleri, Vadakara. As both of the accused were granted anticipatory bail, they were released on station bail.

According to the police, Sajeevan died of heart attack and was not beaten to death in custody. As per the post mortem report, heart attack is the cause of death. In order to verify the police’ claim, the CCTV footage needs to be checked. Therefore, the crime branch has written to the regional forensic lab to send the results of the digital evidence, including CCTV visuals and the hard disc of Vadakara police station, as soon as possible.

According to the findings of North Zone Inspector General, there was serious failure on the part of the police officials in providing first aid to Sajeevan. Although, he told the police about his chest pain several times, they did not take him seriously. Those who tried to help him were also turned away. The report states that all these are grave faults.